Search

To compare barriers and facilitators to accessing health care services among service members and veterans (SMVs) by traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity groups.Qualitative descriptive study guided by an access to health care services conceptual framework.Five Veterans Affairs (VA) polytrauma rehabilitation centers.SMVs (N=55, including 10 caregivers as proxies) ≥2 years post-TBI recruited from the VA TBI Model Systems and grouped by TBI severity (mild/moderate, severe).Barriers and facilitators accessing care.The main facilitators included ease of communicating with providers to help SMVs identify and utilize appropriate health care, family advocates who promoted engagement in health care, ability to use government and community facilities, and online resources or equipment. Distance to services was uniformly identified as a main barrier for both patient groups. However, facilitators and barriers to health care access differed by TBI severity. SMVs with severe TBI highlighted the role of nonprofit organizations in promoting health care engagement and the availability of VA specialty residential programs in meeting health care needs. Having unrecognized health care needs in chronic stages and communication difficulties with providers were more commonplace for those with greater TBI severity and affected quality of care. Those with mild/moderate TBI highlighted challenges associated with paying for services in the community and scheduling of services.Barriers and facilitators exist across multiple dimensions of a health care access framework and vary by TBI severity. Results suggest possible mechanistic links between health care access and SMV health outcomes. Findings support current policy and practice efforts to facilitate health care access for SMVs with TBI but highlight the need for tailored approaches for those with greater disability.

To explore the relationship between polysomnography-derived respiratory indices and chronic pain status among individuals following traumatic brain injury (TBI).Participants (n = 66) with moderate to severe TBI underwent polysomnography during inpatient acute rehabilitation and their chronic pain status was assessed at 1- to 2-year follow-up as part of the TBI Model Systems Pain Collaborative Study. Pairwise comparisons across pain cohorts (ie, chronic pain, no history of pain) were made to explore differences on polysomnography indices.Among our total sample, approximately three-quarters (74.2%) received sleep apnea diagnoses utilizing American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria, with 61.9% of those endorsing a history of chronic pain. Of those endorsing chronic pain, the average pain score was 4.8 (standard deviation = 2.1), with a mean interference score of 5.3 (2.7). Pairwise comparisons revealed that those endorsing a chronic pain experience at follow-up experienced categorically worse indicators of sleep-related breathing disorders during acute rehabilitation relative to those who did not endorse chronic pain. Important differences were observed with elevations on central (chronic pain: 2.6; no pain: 0.8 per hour) and obstructive apnea (chronic pain: 15.7; no pain: 11.1 per hour) events, as well as oxygen desaturation indices (chronic pain: 19.6; no pain: 7.9 per hour).Sleep-disordered breathing appears worse among those who endorse chronic pain following moderate-to-severe TBI, but additional research is needed to understand its relation to postinjury pain. Prospective investigation is necessary to determine how clinical decisions (eg, opioid therapy) and intervention (eg, positive airway pressure) may mutually influence outcomes.Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Comparison of Sleep Apnea Assessment Strategies to Maximize TBI Rehabilitation Participation and Outcome (C-SAS); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03033901; Identifier: NCT03033901.Martin AM, Pinto SM, Tang X, et al. Associations between early sleep-disordered breathing following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury and long-term chronic pain status: a Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems study.

To characterize demographic, pre-injury, and outcome data within the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and Veterans Affairs (VA) Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) cohorts with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with no command-following ability at time of admission to acute rehabilitation. Retrospective cohort. NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) centers. 396 NIDILRR and 72 VA participants without command-following ability who experienced TBI with subsequent Disorder of Consciousness (DoC). Pre-injury and injury characteristics, rehabilitation outcomes, and 1-year self-reported outcomes. VA TBIMS cohort included individuals who were active duty or had military service before their injury. The VA cohort were more likely to be re-hospitalized at 1-year follow-up or residing in a long-term care or rehab setting. The NIDILRR TBIMS cohort had higher FIM and DRS scores at rehabilitation discharge, while the VA participants saw longer lengths of stay and higher numbers of “violent” injury types. This study allows for a better understanding of the comparability between VA and NIDILRR DoC cohorts providing guidance on how veteran and civilian samples might be merged in future TBIMS studies to explore predictors of recovery from a DoC.

To evaluate the feasibility of a psychological intervention designed to increase Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) adherence, adapted with cognitive accommodations for comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).This was an open-label single arm (nonrandomized) study. Eligibility criteria were moderate-to-severe TBI, OSA diagnosis, prescribed PAP, nonadherent, and able to consent. Participants were recruited from inpatient and outpatient settings at a tertiary care hospital. The four-module manualized intervention was delivered primarily via telehealth. Feasibility aspects measured included eligibility, recruitment, and retention rates; session duration and attendance; and characteristics of outcome and process measures (e.g., completion rates, data distribution). Symptom measures included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea, OSA Treatment Barriers Questionnaire (OTBQ), and Kim Alliance Scale-Revised.Of 230 persons screened, 14.3% were eligible. Recruitment rate (n = 17) was 51.5%. Retention rate (n = 13) was 76.5%. Treatment completers had no missing data. The OTBQ deviated from normality, but other measures had adequate skew (2.0) and kurtosis (7.0) and were free from significant floor and ceiling effects (15%). Change score effect sizes were minimal to moderate (d = .10-.77). There were no adverse events.These results inform ways in which procedures should be modified to enhance the success of a future clinical trial testing the efficacy of this adherence intervention. Inclusion criteria should be reconsidered, and recruitment sites expanded, to capture eligible persons and adequately power an efficacy study. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

To describe the self-reported needs of family caregivers of service members and veterans (SMVs) who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify predictors of the unmet family caregiver needs.Five Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs).Family caregivers of SMVs enrolled in the VA PRC TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) national database who were within their first 5 years post-TBI ( n = 427).Observational study.The Family Needs Questionnaire-Revised (FNQ-R) was completed by each SMV's designated caregiver.Descriptive analyses were conducted on the FNQ-R responses at the item, domain, and total score levels. Unadjusted univariable and adjusted multivariable regression models were fitted to identify predictors of total unmet needs and unmet family need domains.FNQ-R item-level and domain-level descriptive results indicated that health information was the most frequently met need domain. In contrast, emotional and instrumental support domains were the least often met. On average, family caregivers reported that 59.2% of the 37 FNQ-R needs were met at the time of the follow-up assessment. Regression models indicated that both the number of SMV-perceived environmental barriers and whether the SMV received mental health treatment within the past year predicted the number of unmet FNQ-R needs. SMV-reported environmental barriers predicted increased unmet needs in all 6 family caregiver domains, and SMV mental health treatment in the past year predicted more unmet family caregiver emotional support, community support, and professional support needs.The current findings can be used to inform policy and programming for VA and Department of Defense to proactively address the specific needs of families and caregivers experienced in the first 5 years post-TBI.

Introduction Dysregulated anger can result in devastating health and interpersonal consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Compared to civilians, combat veterans and service members (C-V/SM) report higher levels of anger and often have risk factors for anger including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, alcohol use, and impaired sleep. Methods The current study examined the relative contributions of established variables associated with anger (e.g., combat exposure, current PTSD symptoms, history of TBI, pain interference, and hazardous alcohol use) in 1,263 C-V/SM. Sleep impairments, represented by poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, were also evaluated as potential mediators of the relationships between established risk factors and anger, and therefore potential modifiable treatment targets. Results Multiple regression model results revealed that PTSD symptoms (β = 0.517, p < .001), OSA risk (β = 0.057, p = .016), pain interference (β = 0.214, p < .001), and hazardous alcohol use (β = 0.054, p = .009) were significantly associated with anger. Results of the mediation models revealed that OSA risk accounted for associations between PTSD and pain interference with anger. Conclusion Treating OSA may be a novel way to reduce anger in C-V/SM who have PTSD and/or pain interference. The current study extends previous literature by simultaneously examining factors associated with anger using a multivariable model in a large sample of C-V/SM. Support (if any) This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs endorsed by the Department of Defense, through the Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium (LIMBIC) Award/W81XWH-18-PH/TBIRP-LIMBIC and with resources and the use of facilities at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, or any other U.S. government agency. For more information, please contact dha.TBICOEinfo@mail.mil. UNCLASSIFIED

Introduction Sleep disturbance and chronic pain are very common after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). Despite having a bidirectional and mutually exacerbating relationship, there is a dearth of literature examining factors involved in the sleep-pain relationship following msTBI. Psychiatric symptoms (e.g., post-traumatic stress, depression) are also prevalent following injury and know to be related to sleep, as well as poor adjustment to chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between sleep, psychiatric symptoms, and pain-beliefs among msTBI survivors who have comorbid chronic pain. Methods This is a secondary analysis of TBI Model Systems study data of 1,567 individuals reporting chronic pain after msTBI (M=8.5 years, SD=7.1). Participants were 46.8 years old on average (SD=27.9), predominantly male (72.7%) and completed measures of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist; PCL-5), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder; GAD-7), pain-related catastrophizing (Coping Strategies Questionnaire; CSQ) and self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire; PSEQ-2). Measures were adjusted for overlapping constructs. Relationships between sleep, psychiatric symptoms and pain beliefs were examined through Pearson correlations. Results Average PSQI total score for our sample was 8.78 (SD=4.4), indicating poor sleep quality, with an estimated 6.40 (SD=1.9) hours of sleep on average. Over two-third (68.5%) of our sample attributed some of their sleep disturbance to chronic pain and nearly half (47.4%) met cutoff (>8) for clinically significant poor sleep quality. PSQI scores were positively correlated with PCL (r = .44, p Conclusion Poorer sleep quality in individuals with chronic pain after msTBI is associated with more psychiatric symptoms, increased pain-related catastrophizing, and lower pain self-efficacy. Results highlight sleep quality as an important modifiable target for intervention in this at-risk clinical population and suggest that behavioral treatments to improve psychiatric comorbidities and adjustment to pain may be beneficial. Support (if any) National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NCT03033901).

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex health problem in military veterans and service members (V/SM) that often co-occurs with psychological and medical conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep apnea. We aimed to examine if sleep apnea is associated with the presence and severity of PTSD in V/SM with TBI of all severities.The study examined participants at varying times since their TBI (Almost 32% of the sample stated they had been diagnosed with sleep apnea. In those reporting sleep apnea, 32% also had probable PTSD; 19% of those without sleep apnea had probable PTSD. The regression demonstrated sleep apnea was significantly associated with PTSD symptom severity (TBI, PTSD, and sleep apnea are often comorbid in V/SM. We expand the literature by demonstrating that sleep apnea was associated with PTSD severity. A multipronged approach to TBI rehabilitation that addresses sleep and psychological distress is recommended for enhancing health outcomes in this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

For many years, experts have recognized the importance of studying traumatic brain injury (TBI) among active duty service members and Veterans. A majority of this research has been conducted in Veterans Administration (VA) or Department of Defense (DoD) settings. Though, far less is known about military personnel who seek their medical care outside these settings. Studies that have been conducted in civilian settings have either not enrolled active duty or Veteran participants, or failed to measure military history, precluding study of TBI outcomes by military history. The purpose of the present study was to determine associations between military history and medical (prevalence of 25 comorbid health conditions), cognition [Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT)], and psychological health [Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), suicidality (9th item from PHQ-9)] in the first five years after TBI. In this prospective study, we analyzed data from the TBI Model Systems National Database. Participants were 7,797 individuals with TBI admitted to one of 21 civilian inpatient rehabilitation facilities from April 1, 2010, to November 19, 2020, and followed up to five years. We assessed the relationship between military history (any versus none, combat exposure, service era, and service duration) and TBI outcomes. We found specific medical conditions were significantly more prevalent 1-year post-TBI among individuals who had a history of combat deployment (lung disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorder), served in post-draft era (chronic pain, liver disease, arthritis), and served4 years (high cholesterol, PTSD, sleep disorder). Individuals with military history without combat deployment had modestly more favorable cognition and psychological health in the first five years post-injury relative to those without military history. Our data suggest individuals with TBI with military history are heterogeneous, with some favorable and other deleterious health outcomes, relative to their non-military counterparts, which may be driven by characteristics of service, including combat exposure and era of service.

BACKGROUND The traumatic brain injury (TBI) Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (IETP) is an innovative modality for delivering evidence-based treatments in a residential, inpatient format to special operational forces service members and veterans with mild TBI. IETPs provide bundled evidence-based assessment, treatment, referral, and case management in concordance with the existing guidelines for mild TBI and commonly co-occurring comorbidities. To date, there has been no formal characterization or evaluation of the IETP to understand the determinants of implementation across the system of care. The goal of our partnered evaluation initiative (PEI) with an operational partner, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation National Program Office, is to facilitate the full implementation of the IETP across all 5 Veterans Health Administration TBI–Centers of Excellence (TBI-COE) and to inform minimum standards while supporting the unique characteristics of each site. OBJECTIVE This IETP partnered evaluation will describe each of the 5 TBI-COE IETP services and state of implementation to identify opportunities for adaptation and scale, characterize the relationship between patient characteristics and clinical services received, evaluate the outcomes for participants in the IETP, and inform ongoing implementation and knowledge translation efforts to support IETP expansion. In alignment with the goals of the protocol, ineffective treatment components will be targeted for deimplementation. METHODS A 3-year concurrent mixed methods evaluation using a participatory approach in collaboration with the operational partner and TBI-COE site leadership will be conducted. Qualitative observations, semistructured focus groups, and interviewing methods will be used to describe IETP, stakeholder experiences and needs, and suggestions for IETP implementation. Quantitative methods will include primary data collection from patients in the IETP at each site to characterize long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction with treatment and secondary data collection to quantitatively characterize patient-level and care system–level data. Finally, data sets will be triangulated to share data findings with partners to inform ongoing implementation efforts. RESULTS Data collection began in December 2021 and is currently ongoing. The results and deliverables will inform IETP characterization, evaluation, implementation, and knowledge translation. CONCLUSIONS The results of this evaluation seek to provide an understanding of the determinants affecting the implementation of IETPs. Service member, staff, and stakeholder insights will inform the state of implementation at each site, and quantitative measures will provide options for standardized outcome measures. This evaluation is expected to inform national Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Office policies and processes and knowledge translation efforts to improve and expand the IETP. Future work may include cost evaluations and rigorous research, such as randomized controlled trials. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/44776

Introduction Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel are at increased risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI), when compared with conventional forces (CF). Prior studies of TBI in military samples have not typically investigated SOF vs. CF as specific subgroups, despite documented differences in premorbid resilience and post-injury comorbidity burden. The aim of the current study was to compare SOF vs. CF on the presence of neurobehavioral symptoms after TBI, as well as factors influencing perception of symptom intensity. Materials and Methods This study conducted an analysis of the prospective veterans affairs (VA) TBI Model Systems Cohort, which includes service members and veterans (SM/V) who received inpatient rehabilitation for TBI at one of the five VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. Of those with known SOF status (N = 342), 129 participants identified as SOF (average age = 43 years, 98% male) and 213 identified as CF (average age = 38.7 years, 91% male). SOF vs. CF were compared on demographics, injury characteristics, and psychological and behavioral health symptoms. These variables were then used to predict neurobehavioral symptom severity in univariable and multivariable analyses. Results SOF personnel reported significantly greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms but less alcohol and drug use than the CF. SOF also reported greater neurobehavioral symptoms. When examining those with TBIs of all severities, SOF status was not associated with neurobehavioral symptom severity, while race, mechanism of TBI, and PTSD symptoms were. When examining only those with mTBI, SOF status was associated with lower neurobehavioral symptoms, while PTSD severity, white race, and certain mechanisms of injury were associated with greater neurobehavioral symptoms. Conclusions Among those receiving inpatient treatment for TBI, SOF SM/V reported higher neurobehavioral and symptom severity. PTSD was the strongest predictor of neurobehavioral symptoms and should be considered an important treatment target in both SOF and CF with co-morbid PTSD/TBI. A proactive human performance approach towards identification and treatment of psychological and neurobehavioral symptoms is recommended for SOF.

Background The traumatic brain injury (TBI) Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (IETP) is an innovative modality for delivering evidence-based treatments in a residential, inpatient format to special operational forces service members and veterans with mild TBI. IETPs provide bundled evidence-based assessment, treatment, referral, and case management in concordance with the existing guidelines for mild TBI and commonly co-occurring comorbidities. To date, there has been no formal characterization or evaluation of the IETP to understand the determinants of implementation across the system of care. The goal of our partnered evaluation initiative (PEI) with an operational partner, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation National Program Office, is to facilitate the full implementation of the IETP across all 5 Veterans Health Administration TBI–Centers of Excellence (TBI-COE) and to inform minimum standards while supporting the unique characteristics of each site. Objective This IETP partnered evaluation will describe each of the 5 TBI-COE IETP services and state of implementation to identify opportunities for adaptation and scale, characterize the relationship between patient characteristics and clinical services received, evaluate the outcomes for participants in the IETP, and inform ongoing implementation and knowledge translation efforts to support IETP expansion. In alignment with the goals of the protocol, ineffective treatment components will be targeted for deimplementation. Methods A 3-year concurrent mixed methods evaluation using a participatory approach in collaboration with the operational partner and TBI-COE site leadership will be conducted. Qualitative observations, semistructured focus groups, and interviewing methods will be used to describe IETP, stakeholder experiences and needs, and suggestions for IETP implementation. Quantitative methods will include primary data collection from patients in the IETP at each site to characterize long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction with treatment and secondary data collection to quantitatively characterize patient-level and care system–level data. Finally, data sets will be triangulated to share data findings with partners to inform ongoing implementation efforts. Results Data collection began in December 2021 and is currently ongoing. The results and deliverables will inform IETP characterization, evaluation, implementation, and knowledge translation. Conclusions The results of this evaluation seek to provide an understanding of the determinants affecting the implementation of IETPs. Service member, staff, and stakeholder insights will inform the state of implementation at each site, and quantitative measures will provide options for standardized outcome measures. This evaluation is expected to inform national Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Office policies and processes and knowledge translation efforts to improve and expand the IETP. Future work may include cost evaluations and rigorous research, such as randomized controlled trials. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/44776

Introduction Poor sleep quality and chronic pain are common after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). Prior studies have not examined the role of PTSD symptoms in the relationship between sleep quality and chronic pain experience (i.e., severity and pain-related interference) in those with msTBI. Yet, PTSD is known to be associated with both sleep and pain. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the role of PTSD symptoms in the sleep-pain relationship among this at-risk clinical population. Methods Secondary analyses were performed on data (n=1537) from the TBI Model Systems follow-up study. Participants were an average age of 46.21 years old, predominantly male (72.61%), and followed at an average of 8.5 years post injury. Participants completed measures of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI), pain severity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory; BPI), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) and PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist, PCL-5). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine differences in pain outcomes controlling for relevant covariates, adjusting for item redundancy prior to analyses. Results Sleep quality and pain interference are associated such that “good sleepers” (PSQI≤8, mean=4.92±2.17) have lower pain interference scores than “poor sleepers” (PSQI>8, mean=12.63±2.87), with a mean pain interference of 3.41±2.32 vs 5.26±2.45 (p< 0.0001). “Good sleepers” also had lower pain severity (4.22±1.78 vs 5.28±1.84, p< 0.0001), lower PTSD symptoms (14.62±13.46 vs 28.35±17.82, p< 0.0001), and less depression symptoms (5.32±4.97 vs 10.57±6.22, p< 0.0001) when compared to “poor sleepers.” Pain interference and severity were significantly related to all covariates at a Conclusion In patients with msTBI, sleep quality and pain interference are positively associated such that better sleep quality corresponds with lower pain interference, a relationship which remains when controlling for PTSD and multiple covariates. Addressing the sleep needs of patients with msTBI through behavioral intervention (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), even in the presence of additional psychiatric comorbidities, may assist those who experience chronic pain following injury. Support (if any)

Introduction Previous studies have shown automatic scoring of portable level 3 sleep study provides similar findings when compared to polysomnography (PSG), establishing home sleep apnea tests (HSAT) as an adequate screening tool for OSA. Accuracy of level 3 studies with Nox T3 portable sleep studies (Noxturna Inc., Atlanta GA) may improve with manual editing to include total sleep time (TST). No other studies have compared unedited versus manually edited HSAT with level 1 in-lab PSG performed simultaneously. This study evaluates if added manual editing optimizes the diagnostic accuracy of HSAT in classifying the severity of OSA, using both AASM and CMS criteria. Methods Secondary analysis of six-center (n=206) sleep apnea diagnostic comparative effectiveness trial. Participants underwent simultaneous administration of level 1 PSG (Philips Alice 6 LDx Diagnostic Sleep system) and Nox T3 portable sleep study with centralized scoring using AASM and CMS criteria. All HSAT were autoscored and then edited by the registered polysomnographic technician. Editing entailed establishing start and stop recording times based on accompanying actigraphy data (reduction in movement) in the portable device and elimination of recording artifact. Results Using AASM criteria, poor sensitivity OSA (AHI≥5) was observed using unedited vs PSG (p=.01) compared to manually edited HSAT vs. PSG (p=.06). No statistically significant difference was observed using AHI≥15 or via categorization across four levels of OSA (none, mild, moderate, or severe). In contrast, CMS criteria comparisons to PSG showed poor specificity of OSA (AHI≥5) for unedited (p=.003) compared to edited (p=.372) HSAT studies. As expected, total sleep time was overestimated using T3 actigraphy devices compared to the criterion standard across both edited and unedited studies (p=.001, .001 respectively). Conclusion Improvements in sensitivity and specificity of OSA were noted using edited versus unedited T3 HSAT when compared to Level 1 PSG using both AASM and CMS criteria. Results support need for manualized editing of HSAT in persons with hospitalized TBI. Support (if any) PCORI (CER-1511-33005), GDHS (W91YTZ-13-C-0015)

The objective of this retrospective, longitudinal study was to investigate the prevalence of drinking within the recommended limits (i.e., low-risk drinking) after moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data were drawn from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research TBI Model Systems National Database, a longitudinal dataset closely representative of the US adult population requiring inpatient rehabilitation for TBI. The sample included 6348 adults with moderate or severe TBI (injured October 2006-May 2016) who received inpatient rehabilitation at a civilian TBI Model Systems center and completed the alcohol consumption items preinjury and 1 and 2 yrs postinjury. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines define low-risk drinking as no more than 4 drinks per day for men or 3 drinks per day for women and no more than 14 drinks per week for men or no more than 7 drinks per week for women. Low-risk drinking was common both before and after TBI, with more than 30% drinking in the low-risk level preinjury and more than 25% at 1 and 2 yrs postinjury. Postinjury, most drinkers consumed alcohol in the low-risk level regardless of preinjury drinking level. Definitive research on the long-term outcomes of low-risk alcohol consumption after more severe TBI should be a high priority.

Few studies have assessed the long-term functional outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in large, well-characterized samples. Using the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems cohort, this study assessed the maintenance of independence between years 5 and 15 post-injury and risk factors for decline. The study sample included 1381 persons with TBI who received inpatient rehabilitation, survived to 15 years post-injury, and were available for data collection at 5 or 10 years and 15 years post-injury. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS) were used to measure functional outcomes. The majority of participants had no changes during the 10-year time frame. For FIM, only 4.4% showed decline in Self-Care, 4.9% declined in Mobility, and 5.9% declined in Cognition. Overall, 10.4% showed decline in one or more FIM subscales. Decline was detected by DRS Level of Function (24% with >1-point change) and Employability (6% with >1-point change). Predictors of decline factors across all measures were age >25 years and, across most measures, having less than or equal to a high school education. Additional predictors of FIM decline included male sex (FIM Mobility and Self-Care) and longer rehabilitation length of stay (FIM Mobility and Cognition). In contrast to studies reporting change in the first 5 years post-TBI inpatient rehabilitation, a majority of those who survive to 15 years do not experience functional decline. Aging and cognitive reserve appear to be more important drivers of loss of function than original severity of the injury. Interventions to identify those at risk for decline may be needed to maintain or enhance functional status as persons age with a TBI.

PURPOSE To describe the development of the Rehabilitation Needs Survey (RNS) for persons in the chronic phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS RNS items were generated following a literature review (January - March 2015) on the topic of rehabilitation needs and revised via consensus from an expert panel of TBI clinicians and researchers. The RNS was added to the VA TBI Model Systems longitudinal study; data collection occurred between 2015-2019. Needs were classified as current (if endorsed) or absent; if current, needs were classified as unmet if no help was received. Need frequency and association with rehabilitation outcomes were presented. RESULTS Eight studies examined rehabilitation needs and formed the initial item pool of 42 needs. This was reduced to form the 21-item RNS which was administered at year 1 (n = 260) and year 2 (n = 297) post-TBI. Number of needs endorsed was 8-9, and number of unmet needs was 1-2, on average. Number of needs was correlated with functional status, neurobehavioral symptoms, and mental health symptoms (p

OBJECTIVE. To examine the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) disease duration and cognitive functioning in those with history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that longer OSA duration would predict poorer cognitive performance. SETTING. Inpatient brain injury units at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. Participants. Participants in the VA TBI Model Systems multi-center longitudinal study who enrolled in a modular sub-study (4/15/2018 to 1/15/2021) examining cognition following TBI. All participants had received inpatient rehabilitation for TBI and reported a diagnosis of OSA (n = 89, age M = 40.8 years, 97% male, 81% White). Reported duration of OSA ranged from 2 to 7 years (M = 4.2; SD = 3.9). DESIGN. Retrospective analysis of prospective cohort, cross-sectional. MAIN MEASURES. Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT). RESULTS. Controlling for age, education, and time to follow commands, OSA disease duration was negatively associated with delayed verbal memory [R(2)Δ = .053, F(1,84) = 5.479, p = .022]. Performance in other cognitive domains was not significantly associated with OSA disease duration. CONCLUSION. This study provides preliminary evidence that longer duration of OSA (i.e., time since diagnosis) has a negative impact on verbal memory in those with history of hospitalized TBI. This finding extends the literature (which focused on the general population) on the cognitive impact of OSA and is consistent with hypothesized mechanisms such as hippocampal damage and secondary impact of fatigue. Findings suggest that early OSA identification and treatment may be prudent for persons with TBI.

Objective: To examine the impact of bright white light (BWL) exposure on sleep quality in persons with recent traumatic brain injury (TBI).Design: Randomized, controlled device-sham studySetting: 3...

To describe the association between unmet rehabilitation needs and life satisfaction 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI).Prospective observational cohort.Five Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers.VA TBI Model Systems participants (N=301); 95% male; 77% white; average age, 39±14y).Not applicable.Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).Average SWLS score was 22±8. Univariable analyses demonstrated several statistically significant predictors of life satisfaction, including employment status, participation, psychiatric symptom severity, past year mental health treatment, and total number of unmet rehabilitation needs (all P.05). Multivariable analyses revealed that depression and participation were each associated with life satisfaction. An ad hoc mediation model suggested that unmet rehabilitation needs total was indirectly related to life satisfaction. Total unmet rehabilitation needs ranged from 0-21 (mean, 2.0±3.4). Correlational analyses showed that 14 of the 21 unmet rehabilitation needs were associated with life satisfaction.Findings support the need for rehabilitation engagement in later stages of TBI recovery. Ongoing assessment of and intervention for unmet rehabilitation needs in the chronic phase of recovery have the potential to mitigate decline in life satisfaction.

Objective To develop a measure of global functioning after moderate-severe TBI with similar measurement precision but a longer measurement range than the FIM. Design Phase 1: retrospective analysis of 5 data sets containing FIM, Disability Rating Scale, and other assessment items to identify candidate items for extending the measurement range of the FIM; Phase 2: prospective administration of 49 candidate items from phase 1, with Rasch analysis to identify a unidimensional scale with an extended range. Setting Six TBI Model System rehabilitation hospitals. Participants Individuals (N=184) with moderate-severe injury recruited during inpatient rehabilitation or at 1-year telephone follow-up. Interventions Participants were administered the 49 assessment items in person or via telephone. Main Outcome Measures Item response theory parameters: item monotonicity, infit/outfit statistics, and Factor 1 variance. Results After collapsing misordered rating categories and removing misfitting items, we derived the Brain Injury Functional Outcome Measure (BI-FOM), a 31-item assessment instrument with high reliability, greatly extended measurement range, and improved unidimensionality compared with the FIM. Conclusions The BI-FOM improves global measurement of function after moderate-severe brain injury. Its high precision, relative lack of floor and ceiling effects, and feasibility for telephone follow-up, if replicated in an independent sample, are substantial advantages.

OBJECTIVE Describe rehabilitation needs and factors associated with unmet needs at 5 years post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). SETTING Five Veterans Affairs (VA) polytrauma rehabilitation centers (PRCs). PARTICIPANTS VA TBI Model Systems participants (N = 283; 96% male, 75%, 57% severe TBI). DESIGN Prospective observational cohort. MAIN MEASURES Rehabilitation Needs Survey (21-item survey that assesses cognitive, emotional, social, and functional needs); Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (25-item survey of potential environmental barriers). RESULTS Participants endorsed a mean of 8 (SD: 6.2) ongoing and 3 (SD: 4.7) unmet rehabilitation needs at 5 years post-TBI. Approximately 65% of participants reported at least 1 rehabilitation need that remained unmet. The number and nature of needs differed across TBI severity groups. In unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models, Black race and environmental barriers (Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors total score) were predictive of unmet needs (P < .001). Those with greater unmet needs reported the physical environment (54%-63%), informational sources (54%), social attitudes (55%), healthcare access (40%), public policy (32%-37%), transportation availability (33%), and in-home assistance (32%) as the most frequent environmental barriers at 5 years post-TBI. CONCLUSION Veterans and Service Members continue to have rehabilitation needs at 5 years post-TBI. Veterans Affairs programs to address ongoing needs and policy to support them are needed.

Objective The Traumatic Brain Injury Caregiver Quality of Life (TBI-CareQOL) is a patient-reported outcome measurement system that is specific to caregivers of civilians and service members/veterans (SMVs) with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This measurement system includes 26 item banks that represent both generic (i.e., borrowed from existing measurement systems) and caregiver-specific components of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This report provides reliability and validity data for measures within the TBI-CareQOL that have not previously been reported (i.e., 4 caregiver-specific and 7 generic measures of HRQOL). Design Three hundred eighty-five caregivers of persons with TBI completed caregiver-specific computer adaptive tests (CATs) for Feelings of Loss-Self, Caregiver Strain, Caregiver-Specific Anxiety, and Feeling Trapped, as well as generic measures of HRQOL from complementary measurement systems (i.e., Neuro-QoL Positive Affect and Well-Being; PROMIS Sleep-Related Impairment; NIH Toolbox Perceived Stress, General Life Satisfaction, and Self Efficacy; TBI-QOL Resilience and Grief/Loss). Caregivers also completed several additional measures to establish convergent and discriminant validity, as well as the Mayo Portland Adaptability Index, 4th ed. Results Findings support the internal consistency reliability (all alphas > .85) and test-retest stability (all alphas >.73) of the TBI-CareQOL measures. Convergent validity was supported by moderate to high correlations between the TBI-CareQOL measures and related measures, whereas discriminant validity was supported by low correlations between the TBI-CareQOL measures and unrelated constructs. Known-groups validity was also supported. Conclusions Findings support the reliability and validity of the item banks that comprise the TBI-CareQOL Measurement System. These measures should be considered for any standardized assessment of HRQOL in caregivers of civilians and SMVs with TBI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine perceived sleep-related impairment in caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Specifically, we examined the relationship between caregiver-perceived sleep-related impairment and different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and explored whether these relationships were moderated by the perceived level of everyday function in the person with TBI. Method: Three hundred forty-one caregivers of individuals with TBI completed surveys to determine whether the association between sleep-related impairment and HRQOL was moderated by caregiver-perceived functional impairment of the person with injury. Participants completed measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and the TBI-CareQOL. These measures were used to examine different aspects of HRQOL: caregiver-specific HRQOL, mental HRQOL, social HRQOL, and fatigue. The Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 was used to measure caregiver perceptions of the level of everyday function in the person with injury. Results: Results indicated that caregiver-perceived sleep-related impairment was associated with each of the four HRQOL scores. This relationship was moderated by the caregiver-reported level of everyday function in the person with TBI for both caregiver-specific HRQOL and fatigue but not mental or social HRQOL. For caregiver-specific HRQOL and fatigue, caregiver-perceived sleep-related impairment was associated with worse HRQOL for those caring for individuals with lower perceived levels of everyday function, but not for those caring for individuals with higher levels of everyday function. Conclusions: Interventions to improve caregiver sleep and HRQOL should consider both psychosocial and environmental factors (i.e., factors related to the person with the TBI). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity on the health-related quality of life of caregivers providing care to service members/veterans (SMV) following a TBI. Research Method/Design: Thirty caregivers (90.0% female; 70.0% spouse; age: M = 39.5 years, SD = 10.7) of SMVs who sustained a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI were recruited from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and via community outreach to participate in one of six focus groups. Caregivers were classified into 3 TBI severity/caregiver groups: (a) moderate/severe/penetrating TBI caregiver group (n = 11); (b) mild TBI caregiver group (n = 10); and (c) equivocal TBI caregiver group (n = 9). Thematic analysis using a constant comparative approach was conducted with qualitative analysis software to identify common themes across the 3 severity/caregiver groups. RESULTS Eleven themes emerged: no time for self/needs last (83.3%), poor physical health (80.0%), increased stress/anxiety (76.7%), social isolation/loneliness (66.7%), lack of access to services (50.0%), impact on family life (46.7%), sleep issues (46.7%), finances/employment (36.7%), depression (30.0%), exhaustion (30.0%), and anger (16.7%). Exploratory pairwise comparisons revealed a higher proportion of the moderate/severe/penetrating TBI group endorsed 7 of the 11 themes (no time for self/needs last, increased stress/anxiety, impact on family life, sleep issues, finances/employment, exhaustion, anger, and increased stress/anxiety) compared with the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS It is important that caregivers of SMVs receive long-term support in their caregiving and parenting roles. Further work is required to understand the challenges caregivers experience in accessing services they need and how to effectively meet their needs across the care continuum. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

In response to the need to better define the natural history of emerging consciousness after traumatic brain injury and to better describe the characteristics of the condition commonly labeled posttraumatic amnesia, a case definition and diagnostic criteria for the posttraumatic confusional state (PTCS) were developed. This project was completed by the Confusion Workgroup of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest group. The case definition was informed by an exhaustive literature review and expert opinion of workgroup members from multiple disciplines. The workgroup reviewed 2466 abstracts and extracted evidence from 44 articles. Consensus was reached through teleconferences, face-to-face meetings, and 3 rounds of modified Delphi voting. The case definition provides detailed description of PTCS (1) core neurobehavioral features, (2) associated neurobehavioral features, (3) functional implications, (4) exclusion criteria, (5) lower boundary, and (6) criteria for emergence. Core neurobehavioral features include disturbances of attention, orientation, and memory as well as excessive fluctuation. Associated neurobehavioral features include emotional and behavioral disturbances, sleep-wake cycle disturbance, delusions, perceptual disturbances, and confabulation. The lower boundary distinguishes PTCS from the minimally conscious state, while upper boundary is marked by significant improvement in the 4 core and 5 associated features. Key research goals are establishment of cutoffs on assessment instruments and determination of levels of behavioral function that distinguish persons in PTCS from those who have emerged to the period of continued recovery.

Objective Caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently experience anxiety related to the caregiver role. Often this is due to a caregiver's perceived need to avoid people and situations that might upset or "trigger" the care recipient. There are currently no self-report measures that capture these feelings; thus, this article describes the development and preliminary validation efforts for the TBI-Caregiver Quality of Life (CareQOL) Caregiver Vigilance item bank. Design A sample of 532 caregivers of civilians (n = 218) or service members/veterans (SMVs; n = 314) with TBI completed 32 caregiver vigilance items, other measures of health-related quality of life (RAND-12, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Depression, PROMIS Social Isolation, Caregiver Appraisal Scale), and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4. Results The final item bank contains 18 items, as supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory graded response modeling (GRM), and differential item functioning investigations. Expert review and GRM calibration data informed the selection of a 6-item short form and programming of a computer adaptive test. Internal consistency reliability for the different administration formats were excellent (reliability coefficients ≥ .90). Three-week test-retest stability was supported (i.e., r ≥ .78). Correlations between vigilance and other self-report measures supported convergent and discriminant validity (0.01 ≤ r ≤ .69). Known-groups validity was also supported. Conclusions The new TBI-CareQOL Caregiver Vigilance computer adaptive test and corresponding 6-item short form were developed using established rigorous measurement development standards, providing the first self-report measure to evaluate caregiver vigilance. This development work indicates that this measure exhibits strong psychometric properties. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Objective To compare Veterans Health Administration (VHA) diagnoses, health services utilization, and costs by mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) group (blast-related [BR] mTBI vs non–blast-related [NBR] mTBI vs no mTBI) among Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) veterans in the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium multicenter observational study. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Four Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Participants OEF/OIF/OND veterans (N=472) who used Veterans Affairs Medical Centers services between 2002-2017. Interventions Not applicable. Lifetime mTBI history was assessed via semistructured interviews. Main Outcome Measures VHA diagnoses, health services utilization, and costs. Results Relative to NBR mTBI and no mTBI, veterans with BR mTBI were more likely to be male, have greater combat, and have controlled and uncontrolled detonations exposures (median BR, 15.0 vs NBR, 3.0 vs no mTBI, 3.0). They also had higher prevalence of headache, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety diagnoses. Veterans with BR had the highest site-adjusted mean annual VHA utilization (26.31 visits; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.01-26.61) relative to NBR (20.43 visits; 95% CI, 20.15-20.71) and no mTBI (16.62 visits; 95% CI, 16.21-17.04) and highest site adjusted mean annual VHA outpatient costs ($6480; 95% CI, $5842-$7187) relative to NBR ($4901; 95% CI, $4392-$5468) and no mTBI ($4069; 95% CI, $3404-$4864). Conclusions Veterans with BR mTBI had higher exposure to combat and detonation. BR was associated with greater prevalence of select diagnoses and higher health services utilization and costs relative to NBR and no mTBI. The role of health care needs from mTBI polytrauma, other deployment-related exposures, and VHA access warrants future research.

Objective To describe the cost benefit of 4 different approaches to screening for sleep apnea in a cohort of participants with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) receiving inpatient rehabilitation from the payor’s perspective. Design A cost-benefit analysis of phased approaches to sleep apnea diagnosis. Setting Six TBI Model System Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers. Participants Trial data from participants (N=214) were used in analyses (mean age 44±18y, 82% male, 75% white, with primarily motor vehicle–related injury [44%] and falls [33%] with a sample mean emergency department Glasgow Coma Scale of 8±5). Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Cost benefit. Results At apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 (34%), phased modeling approaches using screening measures (Snoring, Tired, Observed, Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Age, Neck Circumference, and Gender [STOPBANG] [–$5291], Multivariable Apnea Prediction Index MAPI [–$5262]) resulted in greater cost savings and benefit relative to the portable diagnostic approach (–$5210) and initial use of laboratory-quality polysomnography (–$5,011). Analyses at AHI≥5 (70%) revealed the initial use of portable testing (–$6323) relative to the screening models (MAPI [–$6250], STOPBANG [–$6237) and initial assessment with polysomnography (–$5977) resulted in greater savings and cost-effectiveness. Conclusions The high rates of sleep apnea after TBI highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment of this comorbid disorder. However, financial and practical barriers exist to obtaining an earlier diagnosis during inpatient rehabilitation hospitalization. Diagnostic cost savings are demonstrated across all phased approaches and OSA severity levels with the most cost-beneficial approach varying by incidence of OSA.

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe incidence and assess predictors of adherence to Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in persons with acquired brain injury (ABI). Methods A 2012–2015 retrospective analysis of consecutive ABI patients admitted for neurorehabilitation, referred for polysomnography (PSG), and prescribed PAP for OSA. Univariable linear regressions were conducted to examine predictors of average hours of nightly PAP use. Univariable logistic regressions were conducted to examine predictors of PAP adherence using the conventional clinical definition of ≥4 h per night ≥70% of the time. Persons with traumatic etiology were separately analyzed. Results ABI etiology was 51% traumatic, 36% stroke, and 13% other nontraumatic causes. Nearly two-thirds were nonadherent to PAP. For the overall sample, higher average nightly PAP usage was significantly predicted by positive hypertension diagnosis (β = 0.271, p = 0.019). Likewise, greater adherence based on the conventional cutoff was predicted by poorer motor functioning at hospital admission (OR = 0.98, p = 0.001) and lower oxygen saturation nadir (OR = 0.99, p = 0.003). For those with traumatic injuries, greater adherence was predicted by poorer functional status at hospital admission (OR = 0.98, p = 0.010) and positive hypertension diagnosis (OR = 0.16, p = 0.023). Conclusions In this study of hospitalized neurorehabilitation patients with ABI and comorbid OSA, predictors of adherence included lower oxygen saturation, poorer functional status and hypertension diagnosis, perhaps signifying the role of greater severity of illness on treatment adherence. High rates of refusal and nonadherence to frontline PAP therapy for sleep apnea is a concern for persons in recovery form ABI who are at a time of critical neural repair.

Objective To determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and comparative effectiveness of traditional sleep apnea screening tools in traumatic brain injury (TBI) neurorehabilitation admissions. Design Prospective diagnostic comparative effectiveness trial of sleep apnea screening tools relative to the criterion standard, attended level 1 polysomnography including encephalography. Setting Six TBI Model System Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers. Participants Between May 2017 and February 2019, 449 of 896 screened were eligible for the trial with 345 consented (77% consented). Additional screening left 263 eligible for and completing polysomnography with final analyses completed on 248. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Area under the curve (AUC) of screening tools relative to total apnea hypopnea index≥15 (AHI, moderate to severe apnea) measured at a median of 47 days post-TBI (interquartile range, 29-47). Results The Berlin high-risk score (receiving operating curve [ROC] AUC=0.634) was inferior to the Multivariable Apnea Prediction Index (MAPI) (ROC AUC=0.780) (P=.0211; CI, 0.018-0.223) and Snoring, Tired, Observed, Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Age, Neck Circumference, and Gender (STOPBANG) score (ROC AUC=0.785) (P=.001; CI, 0.063-0.230), both of which had comparable AUC (P=.7245; CI, −0.047 to 0.068). Findings were similar for AHI≥30 (severe apnea); however, no differences across scales was observed at AHI≥5. The pattern was similar across TBI severity subgroups except for posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) status wherein the MAPI outperformed the Berlin. Youden's index to determine risk yielded lower sensitivities but higher specificities relative to non-TBI samples. Conclusion This study is the first to provide clinicians with data to support a choice for which sleep apnea screening tools are more effective during inpatient rehabilitation for TBI (STOPBANG, MAPI vs Berlin) to help reduce comorbidity and possibly improve neurologic outcome.

To examine the relationship between polysomnography-classified obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and cognitive performance in acute moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).This was a cross-sectional, secondary analysis leveraging data from a clinical trial (NCT03033901) and TBI Model Systems. Sixty participants (mean age = 50 ± 18y, 72% male, 67% white) with moderate-to-severe TBI from five civilian rehabilitation hospitals were assessed at one-month post-injury. Participants underwent Level 1 polysomnography. OSA severity was classified as mild, moderate, and severe using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Associations between OSA metrics of hypoxemia (nadir and total time spent below 90%) and AHI with cognition were examined. Cognition was assessed with the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT), which is comprised of six subtests assessing verbal memory, attention/working memory, processing speed, language, and executive function.Over three-quarters of this acute TBI sample (76.7%) were diagnosed with OSA (no OSA n = 14; mild OSA n = 19; moderate/severe OSA n = 27). After adjustment for age, gender, and education, those with OSA had worse processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning compared to those without OSA. Compared to those with moderate/severe OSA, those with mild OSA had worse working memory and executive function.OSA is highly prevalent during acute stages of TBI recovery, and even in mild cases is related to poorer cognitive performance, particularly in the domains of attention/working memory and executive functioning. Our results support the incorporation of OSA diagnostic tools and interventions into routine clinical care in rehabilitation settings.

Introduction Sleep disorders and chronic pain (pain of >3 months duration) are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). A recently completed multi-center trial found that two-thirds of adults with moderate-to-severe TBI had sleep apnea diagnosed during polysomnography (PSG) completed during inpatient rehabilitation. Although a bidirectional relationship between sleep and pain exists, attention to sleep apnea as a specific diagnosis and its possible role in chronic pain following TBI has not been explored. We hypothesized that PSG-derived respiratory indices shortly following TBI would be worse among those reporting chronic pain at 1- to 2-year follow-up compared to those without chronic pain. Methods Sample (N=66) derived from overlapping cohorts across two separate multicenter studies. Participants with moderate to severe TBI underwent PSG during inpatient rehabilitation and completed a telephone follow-up interview to assess chronic pain status using standardized measures at 1-2 years post-TBI (610-day average). Pairwise comparisons across participants with and without chronic pain were made to determine the magnitude of clinically significant differences on respiratory indices including oxygen desaturation, central and obstructive apneas, and total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Results Presence of chronic pain at follow-up was associated with elevated central apnea events (2.6) and oxygen desaturation (19.6) relative to those without chronic pain (0.8 and 7.9, respectively). Important differences were also seen between obstructive and total apnea hypopnea index (AHI) using Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services scoring criteria, with those in the chronic pain cohort being 6.5 and 8.7 points higher than their non-pain counterparts, respectively. Group differences on obstructive and total AHI were considered minor when using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine scoring criteria, although those with current pain experienced categorically worse sleep apnea (total AHI = 19 versus 12.4). Conclusion This is the first study to find an association between PSG-derived respiratory indices and long-term chronic pain status following moderate-to-severe TBI. Sleep apnea represents an important modifiable factor following injury that may contribute to long-term pain-related outcomes. Given the prominence of chronic pain several years post injury, future studies should investigate the role of sleep apnea and early intervention among those following moderate-to-severe TBI to determine impact on long-term rehabilitation and pain outcomes. Support (If Any) PCORI; CER-1511-33005); VA TBI Model Systems Program of Research; GDIT; NIDILRR 90DPTB0008. Clinicaltrial.gov Registration Number: NCT03033901.

Objectives To describe patient and clinical characteristics associated with receipt of opioid medications and identify differences in sleep quality, architecture, and sleep-related respiration between those receiving and not receiving opioid medications. Setting Acute inpatient rehabilitation care for moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants A total of 248 consecutive admissions for inpatient rehabilitation care following moderate to severe TBI (average age of 43.6 years), who underwent level 1 polysomnography (PSG) (average time since injury: 120 days) across 6 sites. Design Cross-sectional, secondary analyses. Main measures The PSG sleep parameters included total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset, rapid eye movement (REM) latency, sleep staging, and arousal and awakening indices. Respiratory measures included oxygen saturation, central apnea events per hour, obstructive apnea and hypopnea events per hour, and total apnea-hypopnea index. Results After adjustment for number of prescribed medication classes, those receiving opioid medications on the day of PSG experienced increased TST relative to those not receiving opioid medications (estimated mean difference [EMD] = 31.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-61.3). Other indices of sleep did not differ significantly between groups. Among respiratory measures those receiving opioids on the day of PSG experienced increased frequency of central sleep apnea events during total (EMD = 2.92; 95% CI, 0.8-5.0) and non-REM sleep (EMD = 3.37; 95% CI, 1.0-5.7) and higher frequency of obstructive sleep apnea events during REM sleep (EMD = 6.97; 95% CI, 0.1-13.8). Compared with those who did not, receiving opioids was associated with lower oxygen saturation nadir during total sleep (EMD = -3.03; 95% CI, -5.6 to -0.4) and a greater number of oxygen desaturations across REM (EMD = 8.15; 95% CI, 0.2-16.1), non-REM (EMD = 7.30; 95% CI, 0.3-14.4), and total sleep (EMD = 8.01; 95% CI, 0.8-15.2) Greater total apnea-hypopnea index was observed during REM (EMD = 8.13; 95% CI, 0.8-15.5) and total sleep (EMD = 7.26; 95% CI, 0.08-14.4) for those receiving opioids. Conclusion Opioid use following moderate to severe TBI is associated with an increase in indicators of sleep-related breathing disorders, a modifiable condition that is prevalent following TBI. As sleep-wake disorders are associated with poorer rehabilitation outcomes and opioid medications may frequently be administered following traumatic injury, additional longitudinal investigations are warranted in determining whether a causal relation between opioids and sleep-disordered breathing in those following moderate to severe TBI exists. Given current study limitations, future studies can improve upon methodology through the inclusion of indication for and dosage of opioid medications in this population when examining these associations.

Objective To examine the relationship between staff perceived irritability, anger, and aggression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of all severity levels. Design Longitudinal cohort design. Setting Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Programs. Participants Veterans and service members with TBI of all severity levels enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers’ Traumatic Brain Injury Model System national database (N=240). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine the association between irritability, anger, and aggression and potential risk factors, including PTSD symptoms. Irritability, anger, and aggression was measured as a single construct using an item from the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 that was rated by program staff at admission and discharge from the inpatient rehabilitation program. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version. Results PTSD symptoms uniquely predicted program staff-rated irritability, anger, and aggression at discharge even after controlling for severity of TBI, age, male sex, education, and annual earnings. The model explained 19% of the variance in irritability, anger, and aggression. Conclusions When TBI severity and PTSD symptoms were considered simultaneously in a sample of veterans, only PTSD symptoms predicted staff-rated irritability, anger, and aggression. Given the negative outcomes linked with irritability, anger, and aggression, veterans may benefit from assessment and treatment of PTSD symptoms within rehabilitation settings.